No8 square edged Tin and No32 scope

[lugerfan]

Hi all,
Off to look at a MK III scope and tin tomorrow. Some pics enclosed below. I can’t seem to find any good reference shots of a B&Co square edge tin. The interior bracket seems different from other examples I have seen as well.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Tin regarding its age?

It’s got a couple of layers of paint on it, I guess suggesting it’s seen some varied use in its time.

Have tried to lighten up the pictures & can see it has STG TEL No8 B&Co pressed in along with the painted OS 906A.

Thanks guys,

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Information

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[paulseamus]

Whilst I am not qualified to comment on the age of the tin, I would happily put it in my little collection.

[Enfield trader]

I have 2 tins just like yours although I can't remember what the markings are or what the bracket inside looks like. I'll get them and check when I find time.

[Lance]

The can looks good, I have never seen the OS906A painted on a can before though. If you can post some pic's of the scope, I would love to see it.

[lugerfan]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I brought the Scope and Tin (along with a rifle and scout scope).

The Rifle was originally rebuild by Roger Payne and the Scope was originally refurbished around 10 years ago back by Peter Laidler, both of whom helped out with my numerous questions during the the last couple of weeks, so a really big thanks to those chaps for helping me out, it was great to know exactly what I was buying & i really couldnt have done it with out them...

Some further pictures below of the Tin and Scope. Perhaps not the prettiest examples on the Forum, but still not too shabby.

I also picked up a copy of Ian Skennerton’s “The British Sniper” at Chatham Militaria fair on Sunday, so thought that would also be an interesting read. There is a picture of a square edged tin on page 132 which also has a painted OS 906A. Unfortunately the picture is not detailed enough to see what is pressed into the surface of the tin.

Have a few questions though….

• I’m guessing the leather strap on the tin is modern, but don’t really know for sure as is not brand new & does have some age to it. Does anyone think any different? Any pics of a period strap ?

• Were all square edge tins made in late WW2 before the re introduction of the round edge in the 50’s There is a lot of paint on the tin so the marking are very faint in places, so no date stamp visible.

• Any thought on the age of the paper adjustment instructions label. Modern or period?

• The scope lens covers are not adjustable for length and don’t have the extra ring to hold it onto the scope when in use. Its marked B&Co the same as the tin?! - Is this a common design, or again maybe modern leather work?

• Should it have a adjustment tool included for a MK III scope for completeness?


I have loads of close up detail pictures of the tin hinges, brackets etc, not sure if its worth posting them somewhere to add to the general knowledge on this type of tin ?

Thanks guys,

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[saddler]

Sling may be one I made...not 100% sure just from photo's!

[lugerfan]

Hi Saddler, thanks for the post.

If it is one of yours, good effort sir, it’s a really nice piece of leather work. Are there any tell tale signs to look for, or would more photos help (pm an email address if that helps). I haven’t seen an example of guaranteed original leather straps to compare it with.

Could you have done the scope lens cover as well?

They were not sold as original period parts so it would be good to know where they came from.

Thanks again…..

[saddler]

Hi Saddler, thanks for the post.

If it is one of yours, good effort sir, it’s a really nice piece of leather work. Are there any tell tale signs to look for, or would more photos help (pm an email address if that helps). I haven’t seen an example of guaranteed original leather straps to compare it with.

Could you have done the scope lens cover as well?

They were not sold as original period parts so it would be good to know where they came from.

Thanks again…..

Will PM you my email details.
NO WAY is that 1st pattern one of my scope cap sets! Look like they were made in the dark by a black cat that wasn't there. My sets have different markings (2 sets of them - broad arrow/red ink)
The 3rd pattern, on their own in the tin - maybe - again, would need more pics.

The scope tin strap I can give you an idea on if you send me pics of the sewing near the buckle, the shape of the cut near the strap end and the sewing of the 2 loops.
The 3rd pattern scope caps - pics of the markings/sewing, etc.

Cheers

Jon